The authors write that these unconscious systems create the contents of our consciousness through what they call a “continuous self-referential personal narrative.” Basically, our thoughts, feelings, and emotions are generated “behind the scenes.” These processes are fast and efficient, as they should be. Our survival depends on them.
And what about our own, personal narrative? Researchers say this is the accumulation of what we’ve learned and the impressions we’ve had from past experiences. It is also constantly being updated as new experiences influence us.